The White House (United States)

I. Overview

The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., serves as the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. It is a symbol of the American presidency and a historic landmark (White House Historical Association).

II. History of Construction

• A. Initial Design and Construction (1792-1800):
  • In 1792, a design competition was held, and James Hoban's architectural plan was selected (National Park Service).
  • The cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792.
  • President John Adams and Abigail Adams were the first occupants, moving in on November 1, 1800, while the building was unfinished (White House Historical Association).
• B. Early Modifications:
  • President Thomas Jefferson added east and west terraces (White House Historical Association).
• C. The Burning of 1814 and Reconstruction:
  • British troops set fire to the White House in 1814 during the War of 1812 (National Park Service).
  • Reconstruction began, and President James Monroe moved into the partially rebuilt residence in 1817 (National Park Service).
• D. Later Additions:
  • The South Portico was added in 1824, and the North Portico in 1829 (White House Historical Association).
  • The West Wing was added during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency. (White House Historical Association)
  • The East Wing was added during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. (National Park Service)
  • Extensive renovations occurred during the Truman administration (White House Historical Association).

III. Architectural Features

• A. Style:
  • Palladian architecture, with symmetrical facade and classical proportions (National Park Service).
• B. Dimensions:
  • The White House measures approximately 168 feet in length and 85 feet in width. The grounds cover approximately 18 acres. (White House Historical Association.)
• C. Materials:
  • Constructed primarily of Aquia sandstone, painted white (National Park Service).

IV. Interior Spaces

• A. State Floor:
  • Used for formal events and receptions.
  • Key rooms: East Room, State Dining Room, Blue Room (White House Museum).
• B. Second Floor:
  • Private residence of the First Family.
  • Includes: President's Bedroom, First Lady's Bedroom, Yellow Oval Room (White House Museum).
• C. West Wing:
  • Houses the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and staff offices (National Park Service).
• D. East Wing:
  • Offices for the First Lady and staff. (National Park Service).
• E. Art Collections:
  • Contains significant collections of American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. (White House Historical Association.)

V. Symbolic Role

• A. Presidential Leadership:
  • Center of executive power (National Park Service).
• B. National Unity:
  • Symbol of shared history and values (White House Historical Association).
• C. International Relations:
  • Site of diplomatic events and negotiations (National Park Service).

VI. Security and Access

• A. Security:
  • Protected by the U.S. Secret Service (U.S. Secret Service).
• B. Tours:
  • Public tours are available, subject to security protocols (White House Tours).

VII. Notable Events

• President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
• President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered fireside chats.
• Site of numerous state dinners and international summits.
• National mourning events.

VIII. Preservation

• The White House Historical Association plays a role in preservation and education (White House Historical Association).
• Ongoing maintenance and renovations.

IX. References

• National Park Service. (n.d.). The White House. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/whho/index.htm
• U.S. Secret Service. (n.d.). Protecting the President. Retrieved from https://www.secretservice.gov/protection/protecting-president
• White House Historical Association. (n.d.). The White House. Retrieved from https://www.whitehousehistory.org/
• White House Museum. (n.d.). The White House Museum. Retrieved from https://www.whitehousemuseum.org/
• White House Tours. (n.d.). White House Tours. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/tours-and-events/

X. See Also

• Presidency of the United States (3MG)
• Washington, D.C. (3MG)
• Federal Architecture (3MG)
• United States Government (3MG)

XI. Categories

• III. Humanity and Society:
  • B. Social Sciences:
    • Political Science.
• IX. Arts and Culture:
  • A. Visual Arts:
    • Architecture.
• V. General Reference:
  • B. Geography and Demographics:
    • Countries and Regions.